Never too old. Does age affect strength adaptations to MST?

Abstract

Background: To reduce risk of age-related consequences of strength and muscle atrophy, strength training has been recommended as a feasible and effective strategy. However, there is still lack of research about maximal strength training (MST) in old. Therefore, the purpose of this master thesis was to investigate if muscle strength adaptations after MST were affected by age.

Methods: Seventy-six subjects (20-77 years) were divided into 5 age-groups. Fourty-nine of these subjects completed a four times four repetitions maximum, three times per week leg press training program for eight weeks. To examine changes in muscle strength, one repetition maximum (1RM) in leg press was measured prior- and after the training intervention.

Results: One repetition maximum leg press increased in all age-groups, with a mean improvement of 24% (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between age-groups. The improvements were independent of genders.

Interpretation: These results suggest that leg press MST can induce positive strength adaptations at all ages. Therefore, maximal strength training should be recommended to older adults to promote health and functionality.